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People buy a D-Max for the 3.0 litre engine. It's understressed and it has a reputation for doing big kilometres without fuss. That changes what the first mods should be. You're mostly protecting something that's already good and fixing the few things around it that aren't.
One thing to get right before ordering anything: there are two generations, and most parts don't swap between them. The second generation ran from 2012 to mid 2020 and shares parts with the Holden Colorado. The current generation arrived in 2020 and shares its platform with the 2020-on Mazda BT-50. We've noted which is which below.
1. Intercooler pipes
The factory intercooler hoses expand under boost and get soft with age. Replacing them is cheap, and it's the first thing we'd do on a D-Max that tows or has been tuned.
ATI alloy hard pipes are available for the 2012 to 2016, 2017 to 2020 and 2020-on models. If you'd prefer to keep the factory routing, there are silicone hot and cold side hoses for the 2020-on as well. We compare the two approaches in why factory intercooler hoses split.
2. A catch can
The 4JJ engine recirculates crankcase vapour and exhaust gas like any modern diesel. Keeping the oil out of the intake helps a long-lived engine stay that way. HPD makes catch cans for the 2012 to 2016, the 2016 to 2020 DPF model and the 2020-on D-Max and 2021-on MU-X. More in do you need a catch can?
3. A lift
For clearance and to level the stance, ATI's spacer and shackle kits raise the vehicle about 2 inches using the factory struts and springs. There's a kit for the 2012 to 2020 D-Max and Colorado and one for the 2020-on D-Max and BT-50.
A spacer lift suits a ute that needs room for tyres. If you carry a heavy constant load, put the money toward springs and shocks rated for it.
4. The parts that go with a lift
- Adjustable upper control arms for the 2012 to 2020 models, if the alignment can't be brought back into spec.
- A 30mm diff drop kit to reduce the CV angle.
- Extended braided brake lines for the 2012 to 2020 or the 2020-on.
- Sway bar relocation brackets for the 2012 to 2020 or the 2020-on.
Get an alignment first and let the printout tell you which of these you need. What you actually need after a 2-inch lift has the checks.
5. A transmission cooler for towing
The D-Max is rated to tow 3.5 tonnes, and plenty of owners use most of that. If yours is an automatic and tows a van or drives on sand, HPD has transcooler kits for the 2012 to 2020 and the 2021-on models. Do you need a transmission cooler? covers how to decide.
6. An intercooler, if it's tuned
A remap on the 3.0 is popular because the engine takes it well. More boost means more heat, and a bigger intercooler helps keep intake temperatures down. HPD has kits for the 2012 to 2016 and 2016 to 2020 models. Leave this one if the engine is stock.
7. Small things
- An Ultimate9 EVC throttle controller to wake up the pedal.
- A fire extinguisher bracket for the second generation or third generation cabin.
- Paracord grab handles and a tyre deflator.
Common questions
What should I do first on a D-Max?
Intercooler pipes and a catch can. Both are inexpensive and both protect the engine people buy the ute for.
Do these parts fit the MU-X?
Many do, because the MU-X shares the D-Max's front end and engine. The MU-X has a coil-sprung rear, so leaf spring parts like shackles don't apply. Check each product title.
Do 2012 to 2020 parts fit the 2020-on D-Max?
Mostly no. The current model is a different platform, shared with the 2020-on BT-50. Each listing shows the years it suits, and our D-Max parts collection has both.
Do Colorado parts fit the D-Max?
For 2012 to 2020, a lot of suspension parts are shared with the Holden Colorado, and they're listed that way. The engines are different, so engine parts are not.
